The need of such a custom
is apparent. Fourth-classmen, or plebes not accustomed
to marching and keeping dressed, are therefore unfit
to be put in the front rank. Third- classmen have to
give way to the upper classmen on account of their
superior rank, and are able to march in the front
rank only when put there or allowed to remain there
by the file-closers. When I was a plebe, and also
during my third-class year, I marched habitually in
the rear rank, as stated with reason elsewhere. But
when I became a second-classman, and had by class
rank a right to the front rank, I took my place there.
Just about this time I distinctly heard the cadet
captain of my company say to the first sergeant, or
rather ask him why he did not put me in the rear rank.
The first sergeant replied curtly, "Because he's a
second-classman now, and I have no right to do it."
This settled the question for the time, indeed for
quite a while, till the incident above referred to
occurred.
At a formation of the company for retreat parade in
the early spring of '76, it was necessary to transfer
some one from the front to the rear rank. Now instead
of transferring a third- classman, the sergeant on
the left of the company ordered me, a second classman,
into the rear rank. I readily obeyed, because I felt
sure I'd be put back after the company was formed and
inspected, as had been done by him several times
before.
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